Hiking Trails

Experience the beauty of the Alps

Hiking in the Alps offers something for every level of adventurer, from leisurely walks through peaceful valleys and alpine meadows to challenging climbs with rewarding mountain views. Along the way, you may discover crystal-clear lakes, rushing streams, traditional mountain huts, grazing livestock, and breathtaking scenery around every turn. With trails ranging from easy to advanced, hikers of all experience levels can find a route that suits their pace and enjoy the fresh mountain air and natural beauty of the Alps.

Neuschwanstein Castle

 

Please consult with Alpine Adventures with any questions pertaining to these hikes or for information on longer / more difficult hikes within the Garmisch-Partenkirchen area.

Explore our recommended hikes below, or click here to discover even more trails and
hiking opportunities.

Local Hiking Trails

Almhutte

Length: 1.5-2 hours

Difficulty: easy

Partake in a wonderful Bavarian tradition of going for a hike and a beer. Travel the short distance to the Almhutte where you can enjoy a ‘Windbeutel’ a local sweet pastry of the Almhutte. From the Almhutte you can walk around the Kramerplateau and see the German World War II war memorial as well.

Trailhead: Alm Hutten Weg 2, 82467


Eibsee

Length: 3–4 Hours

Difficulty: Easy

Begin the loop counter-clockwise for beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains right from the start. The trail follows the shoreline through peaceful forest, passing small coves, rocky beaches, and scenic viewpoints with impressive views of the Zugspitze. The route has gentle hills and varied terrain but is generally well maintained and suitable for most recreational hikers. 

Trailhead: Eibsee Parking lot


Hollentalklamm

Length: 5-6 hours

Difficulty: medium

Park in the little town of Hammersbach. From here you will have about an hour hike uphill to get to the entrance hut. The gorge then twists and turns up towards the Hollental Valley. Add an extra hour if you would like to continue to the hut near the base of the glacier.

Trailhead: Wanderparkplatz P2 Hammersbacher Fussweg Hollentalstrasse,
82491 Grainau


Kochelberg Alm

Length: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: medium

A 30-minute hike starting from the Hausberg Lodge parking lot brings you to a quaint pond in front of the Alm with ducks, geese and chickens. From the Kochelberg Alm you have the option of contnuing to the Bayernhaus on the Hausberg (a steep one hour walk) with the possibility to take the Hausbergbahn down (please check with Alpine Adventures for schedule of bahn). You can also head toward the Partnach Gorge, a lovely walk through a shaded forest with spectacular mountain views. About a two hour walk from Kochelberg Alm, return the same way down the steep Partnach Gorge past the bridge over the river.

Trailhead: Hausberg Parkplatz


Kuhflucht Waterfalls

Length: 1.5-2 hours

Difficulty: easy-medium

Enjoy this beautiful waterfall that shoots directly out of the mountain. The family trail meanders through the trees and then alongside the cascade river. You will be met with 3 separate viewpoints of the waterfall. Hike until you reach the bridge crossing over the 3rd waterfall.

Trailhead: Parkplatz Natur-und Erholungspark Kuhflucht (Farchant)


Partnach Gorge

Also offered as an Alpine Adventures guided tour.

Length: 3-4 hours

Difficulty: easy-medium

Park at the Olympic ski jumping stadium, just a short drive from Edelweiss Resort. From here you can explore the site of the 1936 winter Olympics before you take the 30 minute walk up towards the entrance of the gorge (small Euro entrance fee applies). Within the gorge you will travel through small tunnels experiencing spectacular views of the rushing water and waterfalls, with something new and exciting around each corner. You can also take the time to hike above the gorge enjoying the breathtaking views from the bridge that spans the gorge. *Note that the hike above the gorge would be considered medium.

Trailhead: Karl-und Martin-Neuner-Platz, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
(Olympic Ski Jump Stadium)


Pflegersee / Werdenfels Ruins

Length: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: easy-medium

Park at the base of a trail head just on the other side of town and enjoy a nice hike up to the Plegersee. While you’re in the area don’t forget to check out the Werdenfels Castle ruins that date back to the 1300s.

Trailhead: Wanderparkplatz Kellerleitensteig, 82467


Philosophenweg

Length: 1.5–2 Hours

Difficulty: Easy

Enjoy a peaceful walk along the Philosophenweg, a scenic hillside path above Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The trail winds through quiet meadows and wooded sections, offering beautiful views across the valley and toward the surrounding Alpine peaks. Gentle terrain and gradual inclines make this a great choice for a family hike or leisurely stroll.

Trailhead: Wankbahn Parking Lot / St. Anton, Partenkirchen


St. Martin's Hutte

Length: 4-5 hours

Difficulty: medium

Take a 2 hour hike up the Kramerspitz to St. Martin’s Hutte. The path was originally used by Bavarian King Maximilian II as a hunting route. From the outdoor beer garden you will enjoy a wonderful view of the Garmisch valley as well as the Zugspitze and Wetterstein mountain ranges. Don’t forget to try the delicious apflestrudel! Be sure to bring Euros for the Gastehaus as they do not take credit cards.

Trailhead: Zoeppritzstrasse 44, 82467


Tannenhutte

Length: 1-2 hours

Difficulty: easy-medium

Park on the streets in the old town of Partenkirchen. Follow signs toward the Tannenhutte, a pleasent 45-minute uphill walk mostly through the forest. Cross the suspension bridge to reach the hutte. Food and drinks are usually available. Cash only.    

Trailhead: Wankweg 9, 82467


Riesersee

Length: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: easy-medium

Take a short hike from Edelweiss Resort to the Riessersee. Here you can enjoy a quiet lakeside stroll soaking in stunning views of the Alpspitze. You can also explore the bobsled track from the 1936 winter Olympic Games. Boating, swimming & dinning are available weather and season dependent.


War Memorial

Length: 1.5-2 hours

Difficulty: easy-medium

Take a 45-minute hike from Edelweiss Resort to a German WWII War Memorial. From there you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. If you’re still not tired you can continue hiking towards St. Martin’s Hutte or stop by the Almhutte.

Trailhead: Zoeppritzstrasse 44, 82467


 

Alpine Hiking – Know Before You Go

  • Hike within your ability. Every hiker is responsible for their own safety. Choose a trail that matches your experience, fitness level, and comfort.
  • Check the weather before you leave. Alpine weather can change quickly. Be prepared for rain, cooler temperatures, strong sun, and changing conditions.
  • Know your route. Review the trail, distance, elevation gain, difficulty, and estimated hiking time before setting out.
  • Know when to turn around. If the weather changes, the trail becomes more difficult than expected, or you feel uncomfortable continuing, turn back.
  • Wear appropriate footwear. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction are recommended for mountain trails.
  • Bring enough water. Do not rely on finding drinking water along the trail or at every mountain hut.
  • Pack for changing conditions. Bring layers, rain protection, sun protection, and any personal necessities.
  • Allow plenty of time. Start early enough to complete your hike comfortably before dark and account for breaks along the way.
  • Tell someone where you are going. Let a friend, family member, or travel companion know your planned route and expected return time.
  • Do not rely solely on your phone. Battery life, GPS coverage, and mobile service may be limited in the mountains. Download your route for offline use when possible.
  • Stay on marked trails. Follow official trail signs and markings and avoid shortcuts or closed trails.
  • Respect trail closures and warning signs. Closures may be in place because of weather, trail damage, rockfall, construction, or other hazards.
  • Check lift and hut operating times. Mountain lifts and huts operate seasonally and may close because of weather or other conditions. Do not assume a lift will be available for your return trip.
  • Keep children within your supervision. Choose family hikes based on the ability of the youngest or least experienced member of your group.
  • Carry euros in cash. Many mountain huts (Hütten) accept cards, but some are cash-only or may experience connection issues.
  • Respect wildlife and livestock. Keep a safe distance, do not feed animals, and follow posted guidance when crossing pastures.
  • Leave no trace. Take your trash with you and help protect the Alpine environment.
  • In an emergency, call 112. Be prepared to provide your location and information about the situation.